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🌿 Founder’s Message
“The strength of a Nation lies not in its wealth, but in the wellbeing of its youth.”
As an educator, researcher, and social thinker, I have spent my life observing the immense potential that lies within our youth — and the silent struggles that often hold them back. Over the years, I have witnessed how academic pressure, social expectations, and emotional challenges have left many young minds anxious, disconnected, and uncertain about their future.
Youth First was born from a deep conviction that true development begins with the wellbeing of our young people. When our youth are emotionally strong and balanced, and socially empowered, they become the driving force of national transformation. Through this initiative, my vision is to see every young person — from the smallest villages to the largest cities — discover hope, confidence, and purpose.
My vision is to reach millions of students across India and beyond — for the wellbeing and empowerment of Youth, save lives, restore hope, and build resilience among young people. Through this initiative, I dream of seeing every child and youth — from the smallest villages to the largest cities — discover confidence, compassion, and purpose.
Youth First aims to create safe spaces where youth can learn life skills, build resilience, and find meaning beyond marks and material success. This is not merely a campaign; it is a movement of change — uniting educators, institutions, corporates, and communities in one shared mission: to place Youth First in every sphere of our national life. I believe that when we nurture the minds and hearts of our youth, we are not just shaping their future — we are shaping the destiny of our nation.
“When we put Youth First, we build a stronger, happier, and more compassionate India.”
— Dr. Neelam C. Dey
Social Scientist
Author Ranking Worldwide in SSRN is 31284 out of 2451995 (Updated)
Three of Research Papers listed at Rank 1, 3, 7, 9 and 10 ofWorld Top Ten Downloaded Author Rank Status, SSRN (Elsevier)
Executive Director and Director Research, GCSDR
Chief Editor, Global E-Journal of Social Scientific Research
Recipient of National Award 2021/International Panel Speaker, 2022 for IASSW (Consultative Status with UN)
Media Meet Award, 2018
Member, IQAC, Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women, Govt. of Delhi
Member, American Psychological Association/
Associate Editor, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Journal, Science PG, New York, USA
Editor, Voice of Delhi/Guest Editor, Dilli Vani/Associate Editor, Desh Ki Awaaj
WHY YOUTH FIRST ?
Welcome to Youth First. Every day, countless young hearts silently struggle under the weight of expectations, academic pressure, and fear of failure. At Youth First, we believe no young life should be lost to hopelessness — every youth deserves to dream, to grow, and to thrive. We are a national initiative founded by Dr. Neelam C. Dey under the Global Social Scientific Research Trust, devoted to Youth Wellbeing and Empowerment. Our mission is simple yet powerful: To create a mentally strong, emotionally resilient, and socially responsible generation.
YOUTH FIRST-A NATIONAL CONCERN
The wellbeing of our youth is no longer a personal or institutional issue — it has become a national concern. Rising academic pressure, social stress, and increasing levels of anxiety and disconnection among students call for urgent collective action.
Following the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s 15-point guidelines for promoting Youth Wellbeing, it has become both a moral and national responsibility to take concrete steps to safeguard and strengthen our young generation. These guidelines emphasize the need for educational institutions, policymakers, and society at large to prioritize emotional balance, build resilience, and create nurturing environments where every young person can grow with confidence and purpose.
Youth First stands as a movement born from this national call — a collective initiative to turn awareness into action, and concern into care. It seeks to promote Youth Wellbeing and Empowerment among millions of young people across India.
When our youth thrive, the nation prospers; when they falter, the nation’s future is at risk. It is time to place Youth First — for a stronger, happier, and more compassionate India.
Because putting youth first means putting the future first. Our initiative blends science, compassion, and action to address the real challenges faced by young people today — anxiety, depression, fear of failure, lack of purpose, and disconnection. Through research, awareness, and engagement, we’re building a movement that transforms pain into power, and pressure into purpose.
ABOUT THE "YOUTH FIRST"
Welcome to the Youth First Initiative by the Global Center for Social Dynamic Research, India's largest movement dedicated to the wellbeing of youth and adolescents. With over 140 million students in our schools, colleges, and, we recognize the urgent need for mental health awareness and preventive action. Suicide is tragically the leading cause of death among young people aged 15–29 in India Our initiative strives to break the stigma surrounding mental health, foster resilience, and save lives through awareness, counseling, and community action. We believe that open communication between children and parents essential, as supportive, non-judgmental conversations can make a significant difference.
HALF/FULL MARATHON
Join us for the “Youth First” Delhi Marathon 2026, where we come together to promote hope and healing. This event aims to raise awareness about youth mental health, emphasizing the importance of suicide prevention and resilience-building. Let's unite students, parents, educators, and professionals in a collective effort to build India's strongest youth support network. Together, we can make a difference and empower our youth to thrive!
OUR GOAL
Impact Fund Target: ₹ 100 Crore
Direct Beneficiaries (Year 1): 2 million students
Indirect Beneficiaries: 15–20 million parents, teachers, and communities
DETAILS
January/February 2026
Event: 5K I 10 K I 20 K half Marathon
Venue: Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium
Time : 6:00 A.M Onwards
Half Marathon 21.097 K Above 18 Yrs
Open 10 K Above 15 Yrs
Open 5 K Above 12 Yrs
*Sr. Citizens 2/2.5 K Above 60 to 65Yrs only
Pwd 2 K Above 12/18 Yrs
Please Note: (Healthy Sr. Citizens with no past Medical History or no present ailment can participate. Age Certificate and Medical Certificate is Required for participation)
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
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5K I 10 K I 20 K Run – Open to students, parents, and communities.
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Wellness – Counselling, nutrition, yoga, and stress-relief activities.
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Expert Talks – Psychologists, Educators and Youth Leaders
HOW TO REGISTER
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Fill the Google Form:
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Upload ID proof (School/College ID or Government ID).
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Pay Registration fee online.
REGISTRATION FEE STRUCTURE
REGISTARTION FEE INCLUDES
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Marathon T-Shirt
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Participation Bib (Number tag)
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Refreshments & Hydration
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Medical/First Aid Support
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Certificate of Participation
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Contribution to Youth First Impact Fund
INSTRUCTIONS TO FOLLOW
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The "Youth First" Delhi Marathon 2026 is a HALF MARATHON for a noble cause – saving the lives of youth and adolescents. The event will be held on Sunday, 15th February 2026, organized by the Global Center for Social Dynamic Research.
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Medical teams, water stations, toilets, sports drinks, time checks, and traffic police will be available along the route to ensure safety.
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Event photos, race results, and timing certificates can be downloaded three days after the marathon.
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Bib number and T-shirt collection will not be available on race day. All participants must collect them in advance. Entry will not be allowed without a bib number.
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Registered participants will receive an email with bib and T-shirt collection details three days before the event.
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The minimum age for participation is 10 years. Children below 18 years must have the consent of a parent or guardian.
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The run is for a cause, not for competition. The top three finishers overall will be recognised on stage.
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Any changes in registration must be informed at least ten days before the event.
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The organisers will take full care of participants, but they are not responsible for mishaps during or after the marathon.
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Please do not litter on the route. Dustbins will be available along the way.
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Ambulances and first aid will be available at the venue. If you feel dizzy or unwell, please stop immediately and ask for help.
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Any race-related queries must be reported to the organisers.
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After registration and payment, participants will receive a confirmation email at their registered email address.
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This run is more than a race. It is a movement to save lives, spread awareness, and support the mental wellbeing of India’s youth and adolescents.
ROUTE MAP OF THE MARATHON
